It's always surprising to me when my ache to have him home with us suddenly collides with my fear for him, and it all takes my breath away.  It's the worst when he's on mission - those moments happen often then.  Tonight I was doing that thing I try really hard not to do - peeking out through my front door window to be sure that the car parked across the street wasn't holding a uniformed officer that was about to bring me the worst news of my life - sometimes I'm really dramatic. When the car drove off and I thought I had my bearings, I turned from the door and my eyes met Daniel's wedding ring, hanging on the carabiner by the front door where he'd left it 6 1/2 months ago for safe keeping.  Tonight, for whatever reason, I just had to hold it.  And in that moment, I could see it on his finger, and I needed to have that hand in mine.  I slipped the ring off of the carabiner and pushed it onto my thumb.  I have a feeling it's found a new home for now.  Little moments like this will suddenly overwhelm me, and then it will be over, and I'll move on through my day, or in this case my evening, until the next moment strikes.

The last six weeks of student teaching have gone in a whirlwind.  Which is good; I was hoping life would sail by once I started.  I have only 9 weeks to go, and then D will be home for RandR!!!  Today I booked our mini family vacay for while he's home.  It felt good to plan something with his presence in mind.

Carver is growing like crazy and loving daycare, even despite all of the germs he's collecting.  The poor baby is on steroids for croup now.  But he's still his happy self, and he's been sharing a room with J for a week now.  Julian seems to enjoy having a roomie, and Carv is sleeping great in there - and I'm sleeping great in my room! 

Julian feels mostly unconcerned about school.  He neither loves it or hates it.  Hazel says she dislikes preschool, and she spent the first few weeks crying everyday.  Now she just whines about it, but she always comes home happy.  The adjustments have been the hardest on her, and I try to keep that in mind amongst her fits and tantrums.  This too shall pass...

God, protect him always.